Arabic–English Islamic Dictionary

Shahada (Declaration of Faith)

shahādah

Aqidah · Worship

The Shahada is the Islamic declaration of faith: "I bear witness that there is no deity except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His messenger." It is the first pillar of Islam. Reciting the Shahada sincerely is the entry point into Islam and the foundation upon which all other acts of worship rest.

Shirk (Polytheism/Association)

shirk

Aqidah · Quran

Shirk is the sin of associating partners with Allah — the greatest transgression in Islam. The Quran states Allah will not forgive shirk but may forgive lesser sins for whom He wills (4:116). Major shirk includes explicit idol worship, while minor shirk includes showing off in worship (riya). Shirk negates tawhid and invalidates all deeds if not repented from.

Al-Siddiq (The Truthful)

al-siddiq

Aqidah · Seerah

Al-Siddiq designates those who most completely affirm and embody truth — the second highest rank in the Quranic hierarchy of spiritual excellence after the prophets: 'Those are with the prophets, the siddiqs, the martyrs, and the righteous' (4:69). Abu Bakr earned the title 'Al-Siddiq' for his immediate and complete belief in the Prophet's Night Journey. Siddiqiyya describes the station of unwavering, whole-hearted affirmation of divine truth.

Sirat (The Path)

sirat

Aqidah · Quran

Sirat has two meanings: the straight path (sirat al-mustaqim) that believers follow in this life, and the bridge over Hell on the Day of Judgment. The opening surah of the Quran, Al-Fatiha, asks Allah: 'Guide us to the straight path.' In eschatology, all humans must cross the bridge over Hell; the righteous will cross swiftly while the sinful will fall.

Al-Sirat al-Mustaqim (The Straight Path)

al-sirat al-mustaqim

Aqidah · Quran

Al-Sirat al-Mustaqim — the straight path — is invoked at least 17 times daily in Al-Fatiha: 'Guide us to the straight path.' It is the path of the prophets, the truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous (4:69). Following it requires holding to the Quran, the Sunnah, and the scholarly consensus of the Muslim community. In eschatology, the sirat is also the bridge over Hell that all souls must cross on the Day of Judgment.

Taqwa

taqwā

Aqidah · Quran · Ethics

Taqwa is an Arabic term meaning God-consciousness, piety, and mindful fear of Allah. Derived from the root meaning "to protect", it refers to guarding oneself from sin by obeying Allah's commands. Occurring 258 times in the Quran, taqwa is considered the foundation of righteous character in Islam.

Tawakkul (Trust in Allah)

tawakkul

Sufism · Aqidah · Quran

Tawakkul means complete trust and reliance upon Allah after taking the necessary means. Mentioned 44 times in the Quran, it is not passivity but rather wholehearted dependence on Allah after exhausting one's efforts. The Prophet said: "Tie your camel, then put your trust in Allah." It is a central virtue in Islamic spirituality.

Tawassul

tawassul

Aqidah · Worship

Tawassul means seeking a means of approach to Allah in supplication — using an intermediary to draw closer to Him. The Quran commands "Fear Allah and seek the wasilah (means) of approach to Him" (5:35). Accepted forms include making du'a through one's own good deeds or through the Prophet's name. Scholars have differing views on its permissible scope.

Tawhid (Monotheism)

tawhid

Aqidah · Quran

Tawhid is the Islamic concept of the absolute oneness of Allah — the belief that Allah is one, unique, without partner or equal. It is the central pillar of Islamic theology. Scholars categorize tawhid into three types: tawhid al-rububiyya (oneness of lordship), tawhid al-uluhiyya (oneness in worship), and tawhid al-asma wa'l-sifat (oneness of names and attributes).

Tawbah (Repentance)

tawbah

Aqidah · Ethics

Tawbah means sincere repentance — turning back to Allah with remorse for one's sins, stopping the sinful act, and resolving never to return to it. Mentioned 87 times in the Quran, repentance is one of the most beloved deeds to Allah. The Prophet said: "All children of Adam sin, and the best of sinners are those who repent."

Ummah (Muslim Community)

ummah

Aqidah · Quran · Seerah

Ummah refers to the global Muslim community united by faith in Allah and following Prophet Muhammad. Mentioned 64 times in the Quran, it transcends racial, national, and linguistic boundaries. The Prophet described the Ummah as a single body: "When one limb suffers, the whole body responds with sleeplessness and fever." Unity of the Ummah is an Islamic obligation.

Wahy (Divine Revelation)

waḥy

Aqidah · Tafsir · Quran

Wahy refers to divine revelation — the communication from Allah to His prophets. Mentioned 78 times in the Quran, it occurs in multiple forms: through the angel Jibril, through true dreams, or as direct inspiration to the heart. The revelation to Prophet Muhammad produced the Quran and Sunnah. Wahy ended with the Prophet's death.

Walayah

walāyah

Sufism · Aqidah

Walayah means sainthood and closeness to Allah — the state of being a wali (friend) of Allah, characterised by nearness, divine protection, and constant God-consciousness. In Sufi theology it is the highest spiritual station after prophethood. The Quran promises "Truly the awliya of Allah have no fear, nor do they grieve" (10:62).

Yaqin

yaqīn

Aqidah · Sufism

Yaqin means certainty — the state of conviction completely free of doubt. Sufi scholars distinguish three levels: ilm al-yaqin (certainty through knowledge), ayn al-yaqin (certainty through direct observation), and haqq al-yaqin (certainty through direct experience). The Quran presents yaqin as the highest goal of faith and the summit of God-consciousness.

Dhulm

ẓulm

Ethics · Aqidah

Dhulm means injustice and oppression — placing something other than in its rightful place, transgressing proper limits, and denying others their rights. Appearing 289 times in the Quran, it is one of the most frequently condemned moral failings in Islam. The gravest dhulm is shirk, but it encompasses all forms of wrong against Allah, others, and oneself.